Signature Programs Specialist

Canadian Cancer Society; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Cancer Society in Calgary is seeking a Signature Programs Specialist to provide year‑round support to the Run for the Cure program, Canada’s largest volunteer‑led breast cancer fundraiser. You will manage relationships with leadership volunteers and event sponsors, meet annual participant and revenue targets, and work with cross‑functional teams to grow Run for the Cure locations nationwide.

This role requires 1–3 years in fundraising or event management, excellent communication,

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in fundraising, event management, and/or relationship management.
• Experience overseeing volunteer organizing committees.
• Strong organizational, time management, project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with presentation and facilitation experience.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the main staff partner for Run for the Cure events.
• Providing guidance and coaching to volunteer committees and Run Directors.
• Meeting with Run Directors regularly to drive engagement and results.
• Ensuring events meet safety standards and deliver a memorable experience.
• Recruiting and retaining volunteers to address committee gaps and succession planning.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve program goals.

Skills

Fundraising

Event management

Relationship management

Volunteer coordination

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Signature Programs Specialist

Vacancies: This posting is for (1) current vacancy

Location: Calgary, AB (Detailed office location information can be found by visiting this link: https://cancer.ca/en/contact-us)

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: 4 ($52,000 - $56,000 CAD)

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way.

MAKING AN IMPACT

The Signature Programs Specialist will provide year-round support to our Run for the Cure program. The CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada's largest, single-day, volunteer-led event in support of the breast cancer cause. This position will report to the Manager of Signature Programs who directs our national volunteer recruitment and retention/stewardship strategy for our Run for the Cure events across Canada. As a member of the Signature Programs team, the Specialist will partner with a dedicated team of fundraising and event professionals from coast to coast.

The Signature Programs Specialist will be responsible for meeting annual participants and revenue targets for their event assignments, contributing to the overall success of the nationwide program. The successful candidate is a strong relationship manager who can cultivate and enhance relationships with leadership volunteers, event sponsors, and key stakeholders.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as the main staff partner for 5 Run for the Cure events.
• Providing guidance, and coaching to volunteer committees, working closely with your volunteer Run Directors to drive engagement and results.
• Meeting with your volunteer Run Directors on a regular basis throughout event season, and attending committee meetings, as needed.
• Ensuring that your volunteers plan and execute a safe, fun, and memorable event experience while adhering to our Run for the Cure Minimum Standards.
• Explore opportunities to grow assigned Run event locations by prospecting and identifying opportunities for Volunteer Leadership committee to execute.
• Works to foster leadership volunteers through intentional stewardship strategies for assigned events.
• Creating comprehensive training materials and delivering group training to staff and volunteers.
• Recruiting and retaining high-caliber volunteers to address committee gaps and prioritize succession planning.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute strategies and tactics aimed at achieving program goals.
• Identifying creative and innovative opportunities to improve or enhance the Run for the Cure program.
• Following all guidelines established by national leadership including Marketing, Communications, Digital Support, Finance, Team People, IT, and others.
• Maintaining relationship data for volunteers and key stakeholders in Salesforce, our CRM database.
• Ensuring internal and external communications and materials reflect CCS's values and our culture of diversity and inclusion.
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in fundraising, event management, and/or relationship management.
• A demonstrated donor-centric approach to fundraising.
• Experience overseeing volunteer organizing committees.
• Strong organizational, time management, project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work at both a strategic and operational level.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with presentation and facilitation experience.
• Proven ability to accomplish goals and establish priorities with minimal direction.
• Ability to travel within Canada – i.e. a valid Driver's License.
• A flexible schedule that allows for multiple after-hours events and meetings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft tools including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization's nationwide operations.
• Others may apply.

What You Can Expect From Us

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change.

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROUS

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance - and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

Other Information

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate recruitment-related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre-employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law. We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by contacting [e-mail]. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

AI Disclosure

We are committed to transparency and, the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI-assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.